Heriot Bay

Heriot Bay is the picturesque hub of the east side of Quadra Island, facing the dramatic views of the mainland coast. It is the port of departure for the regular ferry service to Cortes Island. It has an abundance of things to see and do including the art gallery, Government Wharf, boat & kayak rentals, camping, and more.

Heriot Bay is also the point of departure for the north end of Quadra Island which includes, Granite Bay, Bold Point, Surge Narrows, Walcan, Main Lakes Chain, Open Bay, Village Bay Lake and many of the hiking trails that criss-cross the upper end of the island.

Quadra Island is home to a lively close-knit community of 2,700 people from all walks of life and all parts of the world. The We Wai Kai band of the indigenous Laichwiltach People, (Kwakwak'awakw First Nation) reside at Cape Mudge (Yaculta). Nearby Quathiaski Cove is the main port of arrival and commercial hub of the island.

A Step Back in Time

Quadra Island was home to the Coast Salish peoples until the arrival of Captain George Vancouver in the late 18th-century. He came to Cape Mudge in 1792 and found a settled community with long houses, boats, and approximately 350 residents. It was not his arrival, however, that drove them out, but rather an invasion by other First Nations people in the early 19th-century. The We Wai Kai band of the Kwagiulth continue to live in the village of Cape Mudge today.

Quadra Island was named after Don Juan Franscisco de la Bodega y Quadra, the Spanish Naval Officer and close friend of George Vancouver. The island remained a pristine wilderness until the 1880s, when it became known as one of the few Gulf Islands where both logging and mining could be profitable. The Lucky Jim mine opened in 1903 and for a time yielded tonnes of gold and copper ore. A fish-canning plant also flourished in the early 1900s, at its heyday employing between 200-300 workers. It burnt down in 1941 and was never rebuilt. By 1904, Quadra had two post offices, a school, hotel, lumber camps, mills, and a mission. A passenger ferry started in 1949 and a car ferry in 1960.

Location

The Discovery Islands are a group of rugged, forested islands located 150 km (100 mi) northwest of Vancouver. The two most populous islands, Cortes Island and Quadra Island, are served by regular ferry service via the city of Campbell River on Vancouver Island.

Things to See and Do

Heriot Bay Inn

The Heriot Bay Inn was established in 1895 by Hosea Arminis Bull. The building burned down and was subsequently rebuilt in 1912. In addition to its 19 sleeping rooms, the newly-built hotel boasted a large office where travelers gathered around the fireplace to socialize and tell stories, an upstairs dance hall, and an aviary containing rare canaries. Mr. Hosea Bull sold the Inn in 1926, two years after his wife passed away. It changed hands again in 1943, and was renovated by the new owners. Renovations continued and the sleeping rooms all received their own bathrooms in 1986. 2005 marked the launch of a major renovation and additions project under the direction of new owner Lorraine Wright. This major project included upgraded rooms and a new harbour view patio, cozy fireside lounge, enlarged and finished dining room, adventure centre office, and an upgraded marina. There were also new gardens, and landscaping renovations. Today, you'll still find much of the original historic 1912 structure. The warm wood panelling and single-pane windows found in the office & lounge are a few of the historic clues. The main wing of Mr. Hosea Bull's original Inn is now the lounge, office, and lobby. The wing with the gift shop was turned 90 degrees in 1943 and attached to the main wing, creating an L-shaped structure. The Inn's historic roots blend beautifully with the new additions, showcasing the best of both.

Cape Mudge

Cape Mudge village (Yaculta) is located on the south west shore of Quadra Island in a picturesque bay looking across Discovery Passage. The village is surrounded by 1,100 acres of temperate rainforest and is home to the We Wai Kai band of the Laichwiltach People, part of the Kwakwak'awakw First Nation. The rich culture of the Kwakwak'awakw is showcased in the reknowned Museum at Cape Mudge. The adjacent Artists & Carving Centre provides a spectacular facility for the creation of new works.

The Nuyumabales Cultural Centre

The Nuyumabales Cultural Centre has a significant collection of historical artifacts, ceremonial regalia, and carvings and is a major attraction for students of native history and culture. On the waterfront is the Ah-Wa-Qwa-Dzas (Gathering Place) built in Spring of 2007. A collection of old totem poles around the Nuyumabales Cultural Centre always inspires visitors. Modern native artists carve at Cape Mudge Village. A new canoe shed on the waterfront near the administration building houses a magnificent canoe (launched in 2004) - the first to be carved in 100 years.

Cape Mudge Lighthouse

The Cape Mudge Lighthouse, staffed and operational, is accessible by road and is also linked by trail from Cape Mudge Village. Located on the south end of the island, it is near the site of the original native village visited by Captain Vancouver in 1792. Here petroglyphs from centuries ago can be seen at low tide.

Main Lake Park

Main Lake Park is home to some of the largest freshwater lakes found on the islands of the Georgia Basin. Highlights of this park are: the giant douglas fir trees around Stramberg Lake, the canoe camping circuit through the lake chain, the portage route to saltwater at Yeatman Bay and hiking the old roads and backcountry routes through the forest.

Rebecca Spit Marine Provincial Park

Rebecca Spit Marine Provincial Park - a narrow hook of land on the east side of Quadra Island - is an excellent area for beach exploration and picnicking. Sandy beaches line both sides of the 2-km spit at this popular day-use park overlooking sheltered Drew Harbour, a favorite anchorage for boaters. Walking trails lead along both sides of Rebecca Spit and offer ample opportunities for exploring the beach, which contains a high concentration of driftwood. Swimming, fishing and kayaking are all popular activities at Rebecca Spit's large picnic area. Facilities include picnic tables overlooking the beach, a grass playing field, wheelchair accessible pit toilets and fresh water.

Fishing

The waters around Quadra Island have yielded some of the largest salmon ever caught on BC's west coast. Although much of the activity is centred in nearby Campbell River on Vancouver Island, there's plenty of action around Quadra, particularly at Quathiaski Cove, where the ferry linking Quadra and Campbell River docks. Anglers also congregate in the waters off Cape Mudge, Copper Bluffs and April Point, and at the entrance to Quathiaski Cove around Grouse Island. Good fishing is also found in the protected waters around Rebecca Spit Marine Provincial Park, where a popular public boat ramp is located. Inland on Quadra, cutthroat trout are numerous in the freshwater regions of Village Bay, Mine, and Main Lakes.

Hiking

Hiking opportunities are plentiful on Quadra Island, whether you enjoy a gentle stroll or a more vigorous all-day hike. Islanders volunteer their time to maintain and expand the network of over 200 km (125 mi) of trails on the island. Quadra's hiking trails traverse a wide range of terrain, including beaches, broad open meadows, mountains, and forests. Pick up a copy of the Quadra Island Trails Map. Guided hiking tours are also available.

Boating

Quadra's rich marine environment and extensive freshwater lakes system provide many choices for boaters and anglers. The sheltered waters on the east side of Quadra are ideal for sea kayaking. Local kayak companies offer day, multi-day, and mothership tours, as well as rentals. With full service marinas and safe anchorages, Quadra is a popular sailing destination close to Desolation Sound. The island is surrounded by hot fishing spots, luring many anglers back year after year. Enhance your island experience by going on a guided fishing, sailing, or wildlife-viewing boat trip.

Diving

Blessed by some of the clearest waters in the world inhabited by a diverse array of marine plant and animal species, Quadra is a mecca for scuba divers. The HMCS Columbia was sunk off Quadra's shoreline in 1996, creating an artificial reef for underwater life. Named one of the top locations for diving in the world by the Jacques Cousteau Society, Quadra offers a variety of dives for people of all ability levels. Local dive companies offer charters and equipment rentals.

Cycling and Mountain Biking

One of the best ways to see Quadra, cycling is a relaxing island activity. You can choose to tour Quadra's scenic roadways or to explore the many trails on the island, ranging from easy to challenging. Many interesting sights are within a short pedalling distance of Quathiaski Cove or Heriot Bay. Guided cycling tours and rentals are available.